Hi there, welcome to my blog where I share my thoughts on the Bible and its teachings. Today I want to talk about what John 17 says about sanctification, which is the process of becoming more like Christ.
What is sanctification? That's a big word that you might hear in church or read in the Bible. But what does it mean? And why does it matter?
Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus. It's not something we can do on our own, but something that God does in us by His Spirit. Sanctification is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growing in holiness and love. Sanctification matters because it shows that we belong to God and that He is working in our lives. It also helps us to enjoy God more and to reflect His glory to others. Sanctification is not about following rules or being perfect, but about having a relationship with God and letting Him transform us from the inside out.
In John 17, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers. He asks the Father to glorify him, to protect his followers, and to sanctify them by the truth. He says in verse 17: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." He also says in verse 19: "For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
What does this mean? It means that Jesus sets himself apart for the Father's will and purpose, and he wants us to do the same. He wants us to be holy, dedicated, and consecrated to God. He wants us to be transformed by his word, which is the truth that sets us free. He wants us to be in the world, but not of the world. He wants us to be united with him and with each other.
Jesus prays that the Father would sanctify Him by restoring Him to the glory He had before the world began (John 17:1-5). He also prays that the Father would sanctify His disciples by keeping them in His name, protecting them from the evil one, and giving them His joy (John 17:6-13). He does not ask that they be taken out of the world, but that they be sanctified in the truth, which is God's word (John 17:14-17). He says that He sanctifies Himself for their sake, so that they also may be sanctified in truth (John 17:19).
Sanctification is not something we can do by ourselves. It is a work of God in us, through the Holy Spirit. It is a lifelong journey of growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. It is a response of love and obedience to His commands. It is a fruit of abiding in Him and bearing witness to His glory.
Finally, Jesus prays for all who will believe in Him through the word of His disciples, that they may be one with Him and the Father, and that they may see His glory and know His love (John 17:20-26). He says that He has made known to them the Father's name, and will continue to do so, that the love with which the Father loved Him may be in them, and He in them (John 17:26).
So, John 17 shows us that sanctification is a gift from God, a work of God, and a goal of God for His people. It is based on His grace, His truth, and His love. It is both a present reality and a future hope. It is both a separation from the world and a mission to the world.
I hope this post has helped you dive deeper into the scriptures. Please come back tomorrow as we understand more about what John Chapter 17 says on Unity . If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
Thanks for reading and God bless you!
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